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L-R: Wife of the President of Germany, Mrs Gerhild Gauck, Deputy Governor of  Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, during the visit of the German President to Lagos, yesterday

L-R: Wife of the President of Germany, Mrs Gerhild Gauck, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Oluranti Adebule, President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Joachim Gauck, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, during the visit of the German President to Lagos, yesterday

Adamawa
Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management
Agency, Mr Haruna Furo,  said that about 90 per cent of Internally Displaced Persons in the various camps in the state had returned home.
Furo, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola, said the affected persons were from seven local government areas of the state.
“Following recapturing of the areas and return of normalcy, about 90 per cent of the displaced persons in the camps have left.
“The displaced persons that remain in the camps are those whose villages are at the fringes of Sambisa, who felt it is still not safe to go back home,’’ Furo said.

Borno

No fewer than 1,500 women gave birth in 28 Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno State in 2015, the State Primary Health Care Management Board said in Maiduguri recently.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Sule Mene, told newsmen that the deliveries were recorded between January 2015 and January 2016.
Mene said about 14,600 pregnant women received anti-natal health care, psycho-social services and child nutrition support.
He said that the agency had also received about 1,200 severe medical cases, which were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for proper care.
The official said the agency had established 20 Integrated Primary Health Care Centres for IDPs in all the camps to provide integrated primary health care and referral services.
“The Borno Government has procured health kits for each of the IDPs to help cater for their immediate needs”.

FCT

The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises De
velopment Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari, has urged Nigerian youths to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship in order to check the high level of unemployment.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Ibrahim Kaula, the Head Corporate Affairs of SMEDAN.
Masari spoke when officials of a youths organisation, “Dogara Youths Vanguard’’ paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that the challenges of unemployment could best be tackled when the youths keyed into various enterprise development and skill acquisition training programmes being organised by SMEDAN.
“Your best option as young men and women is to imbibe the entrepreneurship skills and development of business ideas through a variety of programmes offered by SMEDAN”.

Kaduna

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Cen
tral, has given President Muhammadu Buhari tips on how to handle his vacation.
He said Buhari needed rest and must avoid anything that could distract him.
A statement he issued, reads: “These are the 11 things our amiable president should do in order to fully enjoy his five days holidays.
“Shut down your Facebook account for the duration of the holidays. “Freeze your twitter accounts for the duration of the holidays.
“Shut down your phone and get a new foreign SIM card only accessible to your immediate family members and instruct them not to give that number to anyone outside of the family. Nigerian SIM card will always have a way of popping up local news through bulk sms.
“Avoid reading newspapers both foreign and local; and if you must read foreign avoid the Africa section”.

Kano

The former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido,
has called on Nigerian youths to promote unity and peaceful co-existence.
Lamido made the call when the executive members of Arewa Social Media Forum, a Non Governmental Organisation, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
He said that the call was necessary “because youths are the future leaders of the country and have significant role to play to ensure the sustenance of peace and unity”.
“The main issue before you is to ensure that Nigeria is a country of peace because the future is yours.
“In the next 20 years nobody will talk about Sule Lamido or Buhari even if we are alive, but the legacies we leave behind. So, the future is yours,” he said.
The former governor said that as a social media group, members of the forum had the capacity to enlighten people on the need for peace and unity in the country.

Kogi

Some residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have
decried the new electricity tariff introduced in February, saying its imposition would only add to their burden.
The residents, some of whom are civil servants who are yet to receive their four months salaries made the statement on Saturday in Lokoja in separate interviews with our correspondent.
Stressing that they had been contending with estimated billings all these years in spite of irregular power supply, the respondents urged the government to suspend the new tariff for now.
Alhaji Ocholi Aku, who lives in Adankolo area in Lokoja, said that some consumers who did not have pre-paid metres were compelled to pay electricity bill amounting to N7, 000 each month.
“How will such consumers be able to cope with the new tariff? As I am speaking I cannot boast of electricity for four hours in a day yet my bill is constant”

Kwara
A group, Kwara State Coalition Group, (KSCG), has ap
pealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other incorruptible judges in the country to prevail on judges handling various fraud cases to deliver justices with fear of God.
It expressed concern about the rate at which corrupt high profile people in the society were purchasing justices in their own favour.
The group, in a statement issued and signed by Saliu Ajia and Secretary, Batuta Sani said such attitude had given the corrupt elements the confidence that no matter the amount they stole, they would eventually get their way.
KSCG, particularly raised the alarm over a recent alleged move by one of the prominent leaders in the National Assembly, who is facing trial on corruption to lure the judges handling his matter to his own side.
Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has commenced Basic Marine Op
eration Course (BMOC) for 40 policemen on countering maritime crimes, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) has said.
Osinowo, who made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Lagos, said that the training would be held at the Naval Training Command, Apapa.
He said that the training would enable the policemen counter maritime crimes like pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, among others.
“The course, which will last for 12 weeks, is targeted at developing the capacity for marine operations for personnel of the marine wing of the Nigerian Police.

Osun

Erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Fri
day doubted the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Federal Government to rescue the abducted Chibok girls alive.
Speaking at an event organised by the Staff Club of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State,
Obasanjo affirmed that anyone saying the girls would return was simply lying.
Obasanjo’s reaction follows severalpromises by the current administration that it would rescue the abducted Chobok girls alive.
Obasanjo blamed the immediate past  President, Goodluck Jonathan for trivialising the distress call to rescue the girls on the day they were abducted.

Oyo

A food scientist with Institute of Agricultural Research
and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, Dr Elizabeth Farinde,  has urged the Federal Government to fund biotechnology to ensure food security.
Farinde made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
The scientist said that biotechnology was an improved method to boost food production, stressing that it was reliable and fast.
“Although biotechnology is a bit expensive, it will make work easier for farmers as well as enhance production of more food in the country,” she said.

Taraba

The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev.
Charles Hamawa, has urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to redouble its effort in the campaign for national rebirth.
Speaking with newsmen in Jalingo, Hamawa said the country required aggressive ethical orientation to enable it tackle the menace of corruption, insurgency and indiscipline.
The cleric noted that the lack of conformity to ethical values among the people was responsible for most of the troubles confronting the country.

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Key Regulators, Asset Owners Impressed With HYPREP’s Milestones

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Strategic regulators and other stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the pace, quality and magnitude of work carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In their separate speeches at the 2025 4th quarter key regulators / asset owners meeting held in Port Harcourt, the strategic stakeholders commended HYPREP for the significant milestones achieved with excellent efficiency and transparency, demonstrating capacity and commitment to sustaining collaboration with development partners for the overall success of the Project.

The regulators particularly lauded HYPREP for the landmark success in the implementation of the land and shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration, provision of reticulated potable water, the various sustainable livelihood programmes, donation of ambulances to health facilities in Ogoni, the construction of Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, as well as the ongoing Ogoni Power Project, adding that their independent field reports have shown proofs of HYPREP driving even beyond its mandates.

The goodwill messages were made by representatives of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development (CEHRD), Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), and Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Ministry of Power, the Rivers State University, the Rivers State Ministry of Water and Rural Development, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

Following the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit’s presentation on the status of HYPREP projects, participants offered feedback on areas of concern. They reassured HYPREP and the people of Ogoni of their continued support for the Project’s success. They also suggested that the quarterly review meeting be sustained as it enables them to report, evaluate and proffer solutions to areas of concern.

Participants also commended HYPREP for improved community and stakeholder engagement and for adding to what they saw the previous time. “We commend HYPREP for the quality work done at sites. The progress is phenomenal, because HYPREP is scoring good grades, above average,” Prof. Iyenemi Kakulu from Rivers State University said.

In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who was represented by Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services, commended the regulators and asset owners for their cooperation with the Project, and for making themselves available for fieldwork and the regular review meetings.

Prof Zabbey reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to best practice in waste management, particularly waste generation and disposal, calling on the Regulators for adequate logistics support, saying HYPREP’s priority is to focus on the core recommendations by UNEP, especially, remediation(soil, shoreline) mangrove restoration, provision of potable water, interventions in public health care services and sustainable livelihood for the people.

The Project Coordinator further highlighted the status of the Project, the successes achieved across all thematic areas, and assured that HYPREP will soon complete most of the ongoing projects and roll out others. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the Ogoni cleanup, ensure quality control, and foster effective collaboration.

Consequently, the quarterly key regulators/asset owners meeting is HYPREP’s strategic stakeholder management model, further underscoring the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership for development, and accountability, all of which are harbingers of effective project delivery.

Speaking to newsmen, HYPREP Project Support Lead and representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, described his involvement with HYPREPas an encouraging and insightful experience, saying, the Project is implementing a wide range of projects across Ogoniland, spanning immediate remediation works as well as livelihood support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of affected communities.

Engr Igbinomwanhia emphasised that Renaissance Africa Energy remains fully committed to supporting the objectives of the Ogoni cleanup project, noting that the company has a long history of collaboration with HYPREP.

He added that the partnership has been characterised by continuous learning, adaptation and a willingness to respond to observations and recommendations aimed at improving outcomes.

He further emphasised the importance of safety in all project operations, particularly given the challenging terrain and operating conditions in Ogoniland.

He noted that safety is treated as a critical priority and that contractors are continually reminded to maintain high safety standards, stressing that lessons learnt from previous operational challenges like the collapse of the water tank in Gwara Community are being applied to strengthen safety practices and overall performance.

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Maternal Mortality: RSG Identifies 6 High Risk Local Government Areas

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The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.

State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.

The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.

Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.

“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring

“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.

She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.

Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.

He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.

He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.

Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.

The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who  is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.

 

John Bibor

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HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

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The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.
This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”
She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.
As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.
A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.
Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.
The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.
By: John Bibor
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